The Philosophical Symbolism of Three Major Events in the Life of the Buddha: Birth, Enlightenment, and Final Nirvana
Nguyen Thi Nhien Trang, Le Hong Linh
International Journal of Versatile Research and Analysis May 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.56975/ijvra.v4i5.706229 via OpenAlex
Summary
The study examines three key stages in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on their symbolic connections to birth, enlightenment, and death. These events illustrate core Buddhist teachings about impermanence, selflessness, suffering, and the attainment of bliss. By analyzing original texts and scholarly interpretations, the research shows that these symbols convey significant spiritual truths relevant to various Buddhist traditions and modern individuals.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The symbolic stories of the Buddha's life convey important spiritual truths that resonate with both traditional Buddhist followers and contemporary individuals. |
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Abstract
This study explores three major stages in the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) symbolically connected to the birth, the enlightenment, and the death of the Buddha and the philosophical meanings of these events. These incidents work as deep and complex symbols that express the main Buddhist teachings such as the impermanence of all things (anicca), the nonexistence of a self (anatta), the satisfactoriness of life (dukkha), and the state of bliss or the goal of the spiritual life (nirvana). By interpreting the original Buddhist texts and the works of leading scholars, this research reveals that these symbolically charged stories present the lofty spiritual truths that they have meaning for people in different Buddhist traditions as well as for those living in the modern world.